Local 59 will swap pancakes for blankets to help elderly in Yucatán this winter

Local 54 owner Dawn Simmons, second from left, with her staff. Photo: Courtesy

Local 59 in Mérida, Yucatán. Photo: Courtesy

Brunch at Local 59 in Mérida. Photo: Courtesy

The pastry case at Door 54 in Mérida. Photo: Courtesy

Mérida, Yucatán — Winters here may not seem cold to expats from the north, but many locals need to huddle under a blanket even when it’s well above freezing.

When Dawn Simmons, the owner of Local 59, heard about a drive to provide 800 blankets to the elderly, she jumped at the chance to help.

For the month of September, Local 59 is offering a free pancake breakfast (Dawn’s grandmother’s recipe) to anyone bringing in a new or gently used blanket. Donated blankets will help warm one of the many seniors living in group homes throughout the community during the colder months.

Since opening in late 2017, Local 59 has become a popular destination to meet people, enjoy fantastic food and relax. Immediately on arrival, guests are greeted by smiling staff and a display of the most delicious pastries and desserts.

Cien Vestidos (A Hundred Dresses) is a group of local volunteers who have banded together to make clothing, hats and blankets for distribution by Yucatan Giving Outreach AC. They’ve received donations allowing them to make enough blankets to get halfway to the goal of 800.

Local 59 and Yucatán Giving invite everyone for a delicious breakfast and to help make a difference in the community.

Local 59 is located at Calle 59 No. 622, between 78 and 80 in Barrio de Santiago. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Map)